Review: Pure (Covenant Book 2) By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Pure (Covenant #2)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Paperback, 329 pages

Published April 3rd 2012 by Spencer Hill Press

ISBN 0983157227 (ISBN13: 9780983157229)

url http://www.acovenantnovel.com/

series Covenant #2

Characters Leon, Aiden St. Delphi, Alexandria (Alex) Andros, Seth

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Summary:

There is need. And then there is Fate... 
Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her. 
When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her. 
When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

My Review:

I am assuming you all have read Half-Blood first, if not, stop, go read it first, as this will contain spoilers for that book, and have you lost, as you would not know I was talking about, Pures are descendants of the original demi-gods, and half-bloods are kids of a pure and human. Better yet, go read Daimon too, the prequel to Half-Blood, its amazing, and you can get it free from Publisher Daimon Free Download

I will start of saying WOW! This book had me on the edge of my seat, and up till the wee hours of the morning reading it. I just had to find out what happened next. I am so caught up in Alex , Aiden and Seth. It’s not your traditional love triangle at all. One is a forbidden love, the other is some strange connection created by the Gods, and confusing to what is real, or the connection. Seth and Alex have this weird connection which makes it to where they can feel each other’s emotions, which can be downright confusing, and embarrassing, for sure. There are some pretty funny parts, when a few times at night, that Alex felt like she was having hot flashes, and had no idea why, until she started to have these same hot flashes one day, and wandering into a secluded spot in the garden, to Seth doing something a little hot and heavy with a girl, it freaked her out, as she figured out all those times she had them, it was because Seth was getting hot and heavy with a girl, lol. Priceless.

The sweet relationship with Aiden and Alex is a sad one, as we know its forbidden for a half-blood and a pure to be together. And even though us as the reader, knows that Aiden must love Alex deeply, he can’t let her know this, as he knows what will happen to her if he did. She is known to be reckless as it is, and he knows she would do anything to be with him, including risking her life, or life of servitude. So it’s a sad situation that Alex, Aiden, and Seth is in.

I find myself really liking Seth in this book, we get to learn more about him, and see he truly does care about Alex, and i love his snarky witty attitude. And his overall hotness, lol. I have the ebook version of this, and am so glad I do, as I get a whole scene of Seths Point of view. (the pool scene, you will know what I mean when you read the book)

Here is a quote from Seths POV:

Kindle location 688

Alex stood just inside the entrance of the ballroom, looking as frightened as a wood nymph having earned Apollo’s favor. Her anxiety hummed around her, but I wasn’t feeling it. Well, I was feeling something.There always was this certain beauty to her-one that was rough at the edges, making her unique to those around her. But tonight, dressed in a red gown that should’ve been illegal on her body? I’d see Alex in workout clothes, in those little distracting pajama bottoms, and in regular clothes, but damn. That wild tangle of hair was twisted up… and those eyes…Tonight she was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.  

Another part same scent for Seth POV

Kindle Location 6398

“Holy crap,” I murmured.I felt Aiden stiffen beside me, and I wondered if he somehow knew that she was here, if there was some kind of bond that coursed between those two that was far more powerful than what Alex and I shared. Impossible…but I wondered.Then he looked over his shoulder, and dear gods, I never seen a man more surprised by a girl in a dress than Aiden. Okay. Lie. I had been just as surprised, and if he was thinking half of what I was thinking, I sort of wanted to hit him more than I usually did. 

As you can see, we get a nice glimpse inside Seth’s head. I already read the POV from Aiden on Jennifer’s website, so I have been torn at who is best for Alex. I feel there is more going on with Seth, afraid that he may be up to no good, maybe being controlled to a certain extent by her step-father Lucian. I do not trust him, I am with Alex on that. She doesn’t really trust his motivations and all of a sudden being so nice to her. I wonder at times if he has some control over Seth, but I believe Seth truly cares for Alex, so no matter what, I think he will always think of her first. I least I sure hope so.

Here is a cute quote (from Alex POV) Kindle Location 2358

“You’re too important, too special to throw everything away for a pure.” Seth sighed, dropping away his hands to mine. “Now, I brought us a movie to watch, the one that has sparkly vampires in it. I thought you’d be down for that.”

What a sweet guy! Willing to watch what most people would call a chick flick, lol.

This book was very touching, very sad at places, and so many fun, quirky parts too. I highly recommend this book to anyone just about, especially if you like the fun paranormal aspect of it. Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my favorite authors now, these are the first books I have read by her, and I am very impressed. I am anxious to get my hands on the 3rd book now. I go on to read her Lux books.

Be sure to check out the tab for extras of favorite books, there is links to the POV from Aiden. and deleted scenes.

Feature & Follow Friday 6/29

To Join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. (required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Fridy Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read)
2. (required) Follow our Featured Bloggers The Feature Blogs this week for Parajunkie Cayce @ Fighting Dreamer and for Alison can read visit her site for that feature.
3. Go to either host site to read their feature of Cayce.
4. Put you Blog name and URL in the linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your post.
5. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments that your now following you.
6. If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Goofle Frieds Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
7. Follow, Follow, Follow as many as you can, as many as you wan, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow,  make sure to comment and say hi, Another blogger may not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “Hi”
8. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the love…and the followers
9. If your new to the Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can come and see your blog.

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs! 

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, (using the linky tools -- keep scrolling!) then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture at host post and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you! 

Captcha:

If you have CAPTCHA word verification enabled on your blog, please take it off. It makes it much more difficult for readers to comment. Please look at Alisons CAPTCHA eradication Post to learn how to get rid of it.

Q: Birthday Wishes -- Blow out the candles and imagine what character could pop out of your cake...who is it and what book are they from?

My answer, well, Has to be Bones from Night Huntress Series, (I am obsessed with him, and being NOT 17 myself, I need to say someone who is NOT 17 either, lol, though guys like Aiden from Covenant series, and Edward also pop into mind, if it was my 18 birthday, and not, ... not telling you, lol)This is Bones below, Yum :)

But them was at my tumblr (its dedicated to the Mortal Instruments) and decided I had to put a pic of Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower will play him in Mortal Instruments movie)  (I also picture Jamie as Seth in the Covenant series, but these are only if I am turning 18 or something, and not my real age, lol,) I would be happy with any of these guys, or all to pop out, lol,

Lost Soul (Fallen Souls Series Book 1) by Jessica Sorensen is OUT NOW!!

The Lost Soul by Jessica Sorensen

Fallen Soul Series Book 1 (spin off of Fallen Star Series)

Is out now. Buy yours today! I will have a review out soon as I can.

Summary: Goodreads

Spin-off of the Fallen Star Series.

My name is Gemma Lucas and my life is good. Alex and I eliminated the star, along with Stephan and the Death Walkers. Finally I can relax and focus on freeing my father from the Room of Forbidden.

At least that’s what I thought. But things are never this easy.
Just when I’ve put the past behind me, Lost Souls cross over into the Real World. 

Then Alex disappears without a trace. As I desperately search for him, I discover secrets I wish I could forget—secrets Alex has been keeping for me. And I’m not sure what to do. Or who I can trust

Clockwork Princess Snippets From Cassandra Clare!

This link takes you to the artist site that did this fan art of Tessa, Will and Jem http://kara-lija.deviantart.com/

I have a Collection of Snippets from Clockwork Princess. I will Update this post as I get more from her Tumblr post. I will have a link to this post up on menu in the Extras. I know lots of people do not have Tumblr, and since that is where she does her post, I ended up getting a Tumblr account, so I try to put the good stuff here too for you all. I do have lots of great fanart of The Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices at my tumblr page, if you have an account, come follow me if you like. http://fanofmi.tumblr.com/ 

Clockwork Princess snippets

Will rose slowly to his feet. He could not believe he was doing what he was doing, but it was clear that he was, clear as the silver rim around the black of Jems’s eyes. “If there is a life after this one, “ he said, “let me meet you in it, James Carstairs.”

“There will be other lives.” Jem held his hand out, and for a moment, they clasped hands, as they had done during their parabatiai ritual, reaching across twin rings of fire to interlace their fingers with each other. “The world is a wheel,” he said. “When we rise or fall, we do it together.”

Will tightened his grip on Jem’s hand, which felt thin as twigs in his. “Well, then,” he said, through a tight throat, “since you say there will be another life for me, let us both pray I do not make as colossal a mess of it as I have this one.”

Cassandra Clare's Tumblr Post
http://cassandraclare.tumblr.com/post/27139648816/clockwork-princess-snippet

“If Jem dies, I cannot be with Tessa,” said Will. “Because it will be as if I were waiting for him to die, or took some joy in his death, if it let me have her. And I will not be that person. I will not profit from his death. So he must live.” He lowered his arm, his sleeve bloody. “It is the only way any of this can ever mean anything. Otherwise it is only —”

“Pointless, needless suffering and pain? I don’t suppose it would help if I told you that was the way life is. The good suffer, the evil flourish, and all that is mortal passes away,” Magnus said.

“I want more than that,” said Will. “You made me want more than that. You showed me I was only ever cursed because I had chosen to believe myself so. You told me there was possibility, meaning. And now you would turn your back on what you created.”

Cassandra Clare’s Tumblr Post

http://cassandraclare.tumblr.com/post/25529648525/clockwork-princess-snippet

Tess put a hand against the wall as she made her way numbly down the stairs. What had she almost done? What had she nearly told Will?

Cassandra Clare’s Tumblr post

http://cassandraclare.tumblr.com/post/25654451060/clockwork-princess-snippet

Cassie read a snippet from Clockwork Princess, in which Cecily tells Will that she could see through him, and she knows he loves Tessa.Cassie also explained that at the end of CP2, there will be a family tree that will show how Emma Carstairs got her surname.

Cassie has treated fans to two Clockwork Princess Snippets today!!

The first one is with Tess and Jem!!

Tessa craned her head back to look at Will. “You know that feeling,” she said, “when you are reading a book, and you know that it is going to be a tragedy; you can feel the cold and darkness coming, see the net drawing tight around the characters who live and breathe on the pages. But you are tied to the story as if being dragged behind a carriage and you cannot let go or turn the course aside.” His blue eyes were dark with understanding — of course Will would understand — and she hurried on. “I feel now as if the same is happening, only not to characters on a page but to my own beloved friends and companions. I do not want to sit by while tragedy comes for us. I would turn it aside, only I struggle to discover how that might be done.”

“You fear for Jem,” Will said.

“Yes,” she said. “And I fear for you, too.”

“No,” Will said, hoarsely. “Don’t waste that on me, Tess.”

The second one a Gideon & Sophie Teaser:

Gideon touched her cheek, lightly, with the tips of his fingers. “Did you know your name means ‘wisdom’? It was very well-given.”

Jem snippet from Clockwork Princess:

Original Post from Cassandra at her Tumblr: http://cassandraclare.tumblr.com/post/27103089088/the-mortal-instruments-source-round-1-ya-crush

“Wo wei ni xie de,” he said, as he raised the violin to his left shoulder, tucking it under his chin. He had told her many violinists used a shoulder rest, but he did not: there was a slight mark on the side of his throat, like a permanent bruise, where the violin rested. 

“You — made something for me?” Tessa asked.

“I wrote something for you,” he corrected, with a smile, and began to play.

Review: Half-Blood (Covenant Book 1) By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half-Blood (Covenant #1)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Paperback, 281 pages

Published October 18th 2011 by Spencer Hill Press (first published September 20th 2011)

ISBN 0983157200 (ISBN13: 9780983157205)

url http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/covenant-series

series Covenant #1

Characters Leon, Caleb, Aiden St. Delphi, Deacon St. Delphi, Alexandria (Alex) Andros

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Summary:

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

My Review:

I Love this book and series! I Love Aiden too!

Aiden, the one who comes to Alex’s rescue is a pure, a Sentinel. (daimon hunter) and he ends up training Alex to help her catch up so she can join the Covenant again to train to also be a Sentinel. She wants it more than anything, and she even was able to kill 2 daimon’s while fighting them off before Aiden showed up, well, one she killed after he got there. He was very impressed that she was able to do this, as she has been out of training for 3 years. He sees something special in her. And boy, is there something extra special in her all right. But I will leave that little mystery for you to find out on your own.

I love the connection Alex and Aiden have, even though it’s forbidden for a half and pure to be together, or anything of the sort, they have trouble fighting their attraction. But Aiden is a good guy, and thinks of what it will do to her future if he allows them to become close. He is a real gentleman, much to Alex’s dismay!

Here is a nice little quote, kindle location 3345 (note, this same scene, well whole chapter is at authors website from Aiden’s POV, chapter 16)

He moved, ever so slightly, and his lips brushed across mine once, and then twice. It was such a soft, beautiful kiss, but when the kiss deepened, it wasn’t a shy one. This was one of dangerously pent-up need, a desire that’d been denied far too long. The kiss felt fierce, demanding, and soul burning.

(here is a small taste of the above scene, from Aiden's POV, go here to read the whole chapter from Aiden's POV, its great!)

Too caught up, I leaned in, pressing my cheek against hers. “You should tell me to stop.”

            Alex said nothing.

            And I stopped thinking. With a growl more animal than civilized, I moved toward her mouth with only one thing in mind. 

            I kissed her. Savoring her mouth, soaking up her response, I was fueled by her desire for more. And though I needed more, in the back of my mind, I already knew that more could never be enough. That if I didn’t stop, I’d never be satisfied. Like a daimon after its first taste of aether, I’d just keep coming back and back.

            As I fitted her body to mine, the kiss deepened, shocked me to the core. Gods, I wanted this, as bad as that was, I wanted this.

            Sliding my hands down her shoulders, I followed the curve of her stomach, the subtle flare of hips. Before I knew it, I was taking her to the bedroom. Never breaking contact with her mouth… her body.

            And brave, beautiful Alex threw herself into this madness like she always did. Head first, questions and concerns later. Reckless, but admirable. Dangerous, but so tempting. She slid her hands under my shirt and I jerked at the touch of her fingers.  Pulling back, I let her strip me of my shirt.

            I smiled at Alex’s sudden inhale.

Then I was on her, easing her down. And as I loomed over her, I don’t know what got to me more—that she wanted this so badly or how much she trusted me.

Trust? I stilled. Alex trusted me and I was seconds away—

            Alex’s hand glided down my chest, further south, and dammit, if I wasn’t lost. Found. Whatever. She was wearing too much clothes. I kissed her again, dragging her breath into me, sliding the top of her dress down and then off.  And I took my time finding her lips again, committing each dip and curve to memory. My lower body sank into hers, and little, surprisingly sharp nails dug into my arms.

            She kept whispering my name, over and over again as I explored her, relished in her. She was breathing in short gasps when I rolled her on top of me.

We also meet Seth in this book, his interactions with Alex are quite funny at times, I won’t say who he is, or what he is there for, so not to spoil anything. But its big, and cool. Not really a love triangle or anything, it’s far more complicated than that. That will be all I say of that.

I found this story very refreshing, and the idea quite new, Jennifer is an amazing writer, up there with some of my favorites now. I look forward to reading the rest in this series, and will also go read her other Lux series too.

I highly recommend this book, it’s not a copy cat, or anything of the sort. I read tons of books, and will tell you now, this is a very well written series, and you would be missing out if you passed on it.

I have a link at my blog to get the Daimon prequel free, go get that, get yourself a taste of the story, with no expense, you will see, it’s a story worth reading.

Remember you can download a FREE copy of Daimon from the publisher, here is the link Daimon Free

Review Of the Prequil Daimon HERE

See my review for PURE the 2nd book in this series, the amazing story continues. And another post I did for this series Here

Concise Reviews By Michelle: 100 Followers Giveaway!! Prize is Kindle Ebooks!

Concise Reviews By Michelle: 100 Followers Giveaway!! Prize is Kindle Ebooks!: 100 Followers Giveaway Fallen Star Series Kindle ebooks are the Prize (4 books in total) To celebrate my 100 fol..


Here is link to original post  , Only about 5 people have entered. one day left. Not a very successful giveaway. Anyone willing to tell me what i did wrong? Did I ask for too much? No one seeing my post?? Please, any advice is welcome if I am ever to do another giveaway. Thanks. (don't think I will use the rafflecopter again, I do not like it)

Half-Blood Chapter 16 Aiden's POV Extra! By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half-Blood Extra from Jennifer L. Armuntrout (click below to go to original source)

 Chapter 16 from Aiden's POV

“I’m not saying that.” Against common sense, I closed the distance between us and placed my hands on her shoulders. Her bare skin was warm, smooth, and so damn soft.

            Alex shivered, and I knew I should’ve pulled my hands back then, butinstead I allowed my fingers to curve over the delicate bones.  Focus—I needed to focus. I was only trying to comfort her. And she needed comfort right now, reassurance that everything was the same as it was the day before. The last thing she needed was me feeling her up. Not that I was doing that.

            “Do you remember what I said about fate?” When she shook her head, an odd expression crossed her face and I wondered what she was remembering. “Only you have control over your future, Alex. Only you have control over what you want.”

            “You really think so?”

            I nodded. Nothing could force Alex into something she didn’t want. She was so incredibly strong and I couldn’t fathom how she didn’t know that. “Yes.”

            Alex shook her head again, as if the simple gesture could fool me.  Her eyes flicked up, a warm whiskey brown, before darting over my shoulder. The pain and confusion in her gaze was a sucker-punch to the gut. I couldn’t stand it, knowing what she’d been through already.  My hands tightened on her shoulders. And a part of me— all of me—wanted to take her away, from all of this.

            Without really thinking, I pulled her against me and tried to come up with something to prove to her that she was going to be okay. But then she placed her head against my chest and I stopped breathing.

            Oh, gods, what in the hell was I doing?

            Being this close to her, holding her was wrong on so many levels. Alex’s entire future was in my hands right now. What I needed to do was pat her on the back, tell her everything would be fine, and send her on her way.

            “I don’t want to be this Apollyon thing.” Her eyes closed. “I don’t even like to be in the same country as Seth. I don’t want any of this.”

 But like a true SOB, instead of pushing her away, my hand smoothed down her back. The thin cotton of her dress was a pitiful barrier. 

            “I know,” I said, struggling to remember what was going on here. This wasn’t about me or my out of control desire for something I could never have. “It’s overwhelming and scary, but you’re not alone. We’ll figure this out. Everything is going to be okay.”

            And now I needed to gently push her away, but Alex pressed closer. Lightning jolted my body. And gods, everything changed in this instant. Intentions of comfort, no matter how true they were in the beginning were gone. Right out the window, along with my self-restraint and common sense.

            Alex felt right in my arms.

            I ran my hand through her silky hair, tilting her head back. Her eyes were so wide, mirroring a dangerous mixture of innocence and temptation. “You don’t have anything to worry about, Alex. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

            The moments those words left my mouth, I knew I’d crossed some invisible line that I could never, ever go back from. They weren’t just words. They were an oath that I’d keep true to the end of my days.

            Our eyes locked. Her chest rose unsteadily against mine as she sucked in a breath I wanted to share. An unfamiliar thing happened. My heart stuttered and then skipped a beat. The room seemed to shift, and I pulled her closer, because she wasn’t close enough. Could never be close enough.

            My hand drifted from her hair, across the curve of her cheekbone. Gods, she was so beautiful. Pure temptation. My thumb smoothed over her lower lip, and I felt her answering shudder under my skin.

            Too caught up, I leaned in, pressing my cheek against hers. “You should tell me to stop.”

            Alex said nothing.

            And I stopped thinking. With a growl more animal than civilized, I moved toward her mouth with only one thing in mind.  

            I kissed her. Savoring her mouth, soaking up her response, I was fueled by her desire for more. And though I needed more, in the back of my mind, I already knew that more could never be enough. That if I didn’t stop, I’d never be satisfied. Like a daimon after its first taste of aether, I’d just keep coming back and back.

            As I fitted her body to mine, the kiss deepened, shocked me to the core. Gods, I wanted this, as bad as that was, I wanted this.

            Sliding my hands down her shoulders, I followed the curve of her stomach, the subtle flare of hips. Before I knew it, I was taking her to the bedroom. Never breaking contact with her mouth… her body. 

            And brave, beautiful Alex threw herself into this madness like she always did. Head first, questions and concerns later.  Reckless, but admirable. Dangerous, but so tempting. She slid her hands under my shirt and I jerked at the touch of her fingers.  Pulling back, I let her strip me of my shirt. I smiled at Alex’s sudden inhale.

Then I was on her, easing her down. And as I loomed over her, I don’t know what got to me more—that she wanted this so badly or how much she trusted me.

Trust? I stilled. Alex trusted me and I was seconds away—

            Alex’s hand glided down my chest, further south, and dammit, if I wasn’t lost. Found. Whatever. She was wearing too much clothes. I kissed her again, dragging her breath into me, sliding the top of her dress down and then off.  And I took my time finding her lips again, committing each dip and curve to memory. My lower body sank into hers, and little, surprisingly sharp nails dug into my arms.

            She kept whispering my name, over and over again as I explored her, relished in her. She was breathing in short gasps when I rolled her on top of me.

            “You’re so beautiful. So brave, so full of life.” I sounded—felt drunk as I guided her head down so I could kiss the scar on her neck.  “You have no idea, do you? You have so much life in you, so much.”

            Alex dipped her head and she grinned when I kissed the tip of her nose. “Really?”

            “Yes.” I brushed her hair back from her face. “Since the night I saw you in Georgia, you’ve been under my skin. You got inside me, became a part of me. I can’t shake it. It’s wrong.” I shifted us, rolling Alex across the bed until I towered over her. Damn, she was one hell of a fighter, would one day become something that would crush her enemies, but she felt so small under me. So perfect.

            “Agapi mou, I can’t…” There were no more words. I brought my lips to hers, leaning my full weight onto her. Everything took on a near frantic edge. Our kisses. The touching. The way our bodies moved against each other.

            I lifted my head, unable to wait any longer. “Do you trust me?”

            Alex ran her fingers over my cheeks, then my lips. “Yes.”

            There had been no hesitation. I brought her hand to my lips, kissing the tips of each of her fingers. Then I looked at her, taking in her flushed cheeks, fevered eyes. Time stopped. I wanted—needed this to be perfect for her, to be—

            Someone knocked on the door.

 I froze.

No. No freaking way. We stared each other, possibly both of us praying for the same thing. That someone wasn’t at that door.

But the sound came again, along with Leon’s booming voice. “Aiden, open this door. Now.”

Son of a bitch.

Never in my life did I hate someone as much as I hated Leon at that very moment. And there was no ignoring him. He’d break down that damn door and Alex…

My gaze swept over her as I lifted myself off the bed and grabbed a pair of pants and the shirt she’d tossed clear across the room. The girl had an arm on her. She’d probably throw a dagger like a—

It struck me then. And I could barely breathe.

Spinning around, I left the room and shut the door behind me. Holy crap, I’d… I’d been so, so close to taking everything from her. Most importantly, her freedom…

“Shit,” I muttered, stalking toward the door. What the hell had I been thinking? She didn’t deserve this—because this was nothing. It couldn’t ever be anything.

Halfs and pures did not mix.

But she was in my bedroom, on my bed, glorious…

Leon’s impatient sigh penetrated wood. I briefly entertained the idea of grabbing a dagger and throwing it through the door.

I yanked the door open, running a hand through my hair. “What?”

He cocked his head to the side, but his gaze went over my shoulder, to my bedroom. My stomach dropped. Leon was a cool guy, but if he knew Alex was here—in there—he’d been required to report her.

Her. In the end, Alex would be the only one who’d suffer for this. The good ole’ boys would probably applaud me. Gods, I hated my own race sometimes.

Leon’s expression remained impressively blank. “I didn’t mean to wake you, but I figured you’d want to know this immediately. They’ve found Kain. He’s alive.”

I blinked, unsure I heard him right. But I had. Kain was alive. I rubbed my jaw. Crap. This could be good. Or this could be real, real bad for Alex.

Somehow I managed to convince Leon that I’d meet him over in the med center and went back to Alex.

She was waiting by the bed. Dressed. Part of me was relieved. Another part of me wanted to take the dress off. Again.

“I heard,” she said, eyes wide.

            I nodded. “I’ll let you know what he says.”

            She stepped forward. “I want to come. I have to hear what he says.”

            Oh, yeah, that’s not going to work. “Alex, it’s past your curfew, and how would you know to be in the infirmary?”

            Her eyes narrowed. “But I can sneak in there. The rooms are just separated with partition walls. I could stay behind them—”

            “Alex. You need to go back to your dorm. Now. I promise I’ll tell you everything he says, okay?”

            For a moment I thought she was going to argue, but she nodded. We waited a couple more minutes. At the front door, I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath.

            When she stepped out of this door… that was it—this could never happen again. We’d come within inches of being caught, within seconds of her losing everything and because of what?

             “What?” Alex said.

            Because I was lost in her.

            I faced her, and she suddenly looked a little scared. And she wasn’t the only one. What I was feeling at that moment disturbed the hell out of me. Without saying a word, I cupped her face and kissed her.

            I kissed her like I was never going to see her again, because in a way, I wasn’t. Not this way, and as much as that killed me, I knew the difference between what felt right.

            And what was actually right.

            “Don’t do anything stupid,” I warned her, voice hoarse. Then I left her, disappearing into the darkness.